Admissions Windward has a thoughtful and disciplined admission procedure that is generally longer and more in-depth than other independent schools. Through this careful screening process, we are able to identify the applicants who will derive the most benefit from our educational approach. Applicants must be of average to superior intellectual potential, free of behavioral or emotional problems that would interfere with the instructional program, and have a written diagnosis of a learning and/or language disability from a qualified clinician. Windward also requires school records and permission to contact other professionals involved with the applicant. Information sessions, which also include a tour of the school, are scheduled weekly but attendance is not necessary for an application to be filed. After an applicant's file is completed and reviewed, some children will be invited to spend two mornings visiting classes and meeting with our learning specialists. The admission decision is then made and a parent conference is scheduled. When a child is admitted, an enrollment contract is sent to the parents at a later date. If placement at Windward is not recommended, suggestions of other options are proposed. Geographically, Windward students come from the tri-state metropolitan area, including New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland counties, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Need-based financial aid is available. Families of returning students must contact the business office by Jan 15th if they wish to be considered for aid for the following school year. Financial Aid applications for new families must be completed by March 15th to be eligible for consideration for the following school year. Windward does not discriminate in admissions, employment, administration, or programs on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation.